What does GOTS and BCI mean in the fashion industry?
If I said ROC, GOTS, RWS, BCI or GRS, would you know what I mean?
Some of you in the fashion industry might
Others might be trying to work out what on earth those abbreviations stand for, and that’s okay. But it does show there’s still a long way to go.
I was lucky enough to work for a brand for just under 11 years that genuinely cared about sustainability. In fact, their sustainability credentials were what attracted me to them in the first place.
Before that, I’d seen plenty of horrors across the industry. Working somewhere that wanted to do better gave me real hope, and I wanted to do better with them. I wanted to be a sponge. To learn, to understand responsible sourcing properly, and to get under the skin of what these certifications actually mean.
I was fortunate to work with incredible factory partners too, people who understood the mission and were willing to put the work in. Because it’s not an easy route.
It’s not a “nice to have”. It’s a must, not a means.
Let’s be honest: it’s not the route that makes the most money. You still pay over the odds to do the “right” thing. But that isn’t what it’s about. It’s about giving consumers a choice, a chance to make better decisions in their wardrobes.
And I firmly believe this: sustainability does not ruin style.
You can still create beautiful product: thoughtfully, intentionally, through certified and considered fabrications.
Since freelancing and working with a wider range of brands, I’ve realised that this approach still isn’t the norm. Cost pressures, MOQs, and lead times are real barriers. I’m also very aware that I carry a lot of knowledge that needs to be shared. Some might say I’m a dog with a bone… but I truly believe we can and must do better.
It’s especially hard for smaller brands, where margins are tight at the best of times. But small movements matter. They all contribute to a much bigger mission.
So, for anyone who made it this far:
ROC – Regenerative Organic Certified
GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
RWS – Responsible Wool Standard
GRS – Global Recycled Standard
BCI – Better Cotton Initiative
These certifications exist to verify claims and reduce greenwashing. They don’t mean perfection, there’s still a long way to go. But the brands worth backing usually aren’t shouting the loudest. They’re quietly doing the work, behind the scenes, pushing things forward and paving the way.
And if you’re wondering why I care so much…
The photo attached to this post says it all. I live in a beautiful part of the world. This spot is only 10 minutes from my home. We owe it to each other to try and look after it.
If you’re looking for a senior freelance womenswear designer with hands-on experience navigating responsible sourcing and sustainability. I’d love to connect. Please feel free to reach out to me via my contact page.
